Figeac - France

Now I'm the right side of a pan-fried foie gras, cradling an armagnac, and gratified.

After a couple of days in the place, I have confirmed beyond reasonable doubt that Figeac, in the Lot, is the finest small town in France. I have long suspected it, and now I am certain.

So far, so clear, but so what? Well, I am increasingly convinced that small towns - say, under 12,000 population - are the best way to experience France. (Possibly anywhere, for that matter.) The much-acclaimed French villages may, of course, be lovely, but they are shut by 7.30pm, subject to curtain-twitching and a certain sullen frostiness in the café (especially, I've noted, if it's called Le Bar des Amis).

You can find the article here